In response to the series of troubles related to “Pokemon Go,” lawmakers are now considering setting regulations for players.
To date, players had been involved in accidents and community disturbances. The game’s augmented reality nature makes consequences manifest in the real world.
Felix Ortiz, Democratic New York Assemblyman, is among those proposing regulations to ensure public safety. “Like any new technology, it has its advantages and disadvantages, and like any new technology, it has to be looked at very, very carefully. Everything comes down to people’s responsibility as well as corporate responsibility,” he said on Tuesday.
He added, “Every single one of us who might want to play this game have to be very cautious. Who’s sending what, and what is the follow up? Everyone should be cautious to make sure that no intruders will be able to tap into this and have people think they’re going to the park when in reality they’re going to a be targeted by some rapist. People could think they’re going to the bank, but in reality, someone is waiting to take their money.”
Ortiz was worried about people playing in busy streets or while driving. In the past, he proposed banning of salt in restaurants and taxes on alcohol, according to Politico.
Senator Al Franken is another man eyeing possible regulations. According to Heat Street, the former SNL star and Minnesota Democrat asked Niantic how much information are being collected from users. He also inquired what the developer plans to do with such data.
On Wednesday, three members of the Congress – Rep. Steve Israel, Rep. Patrick Meehan and Rep. Ted Deutch – also reached out to Niantic. They urged the company to disable the game in the Holocaust Museum, according to The Hill
“We do not believe the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is an appropriate site to be encouraging people to play ‘Pokémon Go.’ We should be encouraging visitors to visit the museum to spread the message of preventing future atrocities and genocide, not distracting from the museum’s lessons in order to win a game,” they said in a letter.
Yet there are lawmakers seemingly fine with “Pokemon Go,” reportedly playing the game themselves. They were seen enjoying on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, eWeek said.
